I’m on a one-woman mission to get my piano parents more involved in the lesson process. Too many times my piano kids just charge out the door to a parent waiting in the car. Sure it’s easy this way, and I know that often parents have a second activity to get to or a baby sleeping in the car seat… but I also know that parents who are involved in even a little bit of the piano lesson process become more committed to the lesson experience as a whole.
So, I’ve been asking my piano parents to knock and come in for the last 5 minutes of their child’s lesson. It’s a great chance to connect with those parents whom I don’t see all of the time and it’s been a really valuable tool in home practice success.
5 Things In 5 Minutes
If you too want your piano parents to be involved just that bit more, then give this a shot. For the most success, be sure your parents know they are coming in just for the final 5 minutes and that they will be getting 5 pieces of info from you (this cuts down on small-talk and chatter).
Also know that these last 5 minutes are not spent simply talking. The lesson is very much in action and the student is still engaged with the piano. Each of the following points can be quietly referenced as the student showcases a piece, demonstrates a skill, or explains her understanding.
Here’s what your piano parents should take note of in these final 5 minutes.
1. One amazing accomplishment that happened during the lesson time – Make it specific and show them exactly what “miracle” took place. Their child should be reaching goals, learning skills and discovering new abilities each lesson – so choose one and highlight it. Have the child demonstrate if applicable.
2. This week’s repertoire – You’d be surprised at how many parents have no idea where in the book their child is currently playing (or even what book!). Physically show the parent the book, what page and what section (if applicable).
3. Starting Position – This is a hurdle for many piano students and it can interrupt a week’s worth of practice. Emailing a picture of starting position is helpful, but verbally describing and visually showing the parent (while the child listens) is also a really great idea. Not only will mom and dad start to figure out how to help at home, but the child listens with a different set of ears when two adults are talking… it may just click for him sooner.
4. Specific “Work-ons” – Choose no more than 2 things you want your parent to be listening for during home practice. Write them at the top of your students’ music, but also describe to them what it is (briefly… they don’t need a pedagogy lesson).
5. Long-term goals – Recital coming up? Video recording? Special studio event? Now’s the time to remind them of long-term goals for their child no matter how small.
I know there is a lot to squeeze into an already busy lesson, but setting up effective home practice could be the most important component of every lesson. The piano students who progress and perform the best are the same students who have mastered home piano practice. And its up to us to help our students AND their parents achieve this mastery.
Motivation Is The Final Piece Of The Puzzle
Once the parents are on board, the piano practice battle is nearly won. But to achieve true success your piano students must also be self-motivated to want to practice. One way to inspire your piano kids to practice is to include the hilarious supplementary activities from our guide Shhhh… Your Piano Teacher Thinks This Is Practice. With recital season just around the corner, you need a secret weapon like this to guarantee those kiddos aren’t ignoring home piano practice.
Kay says
I do something similar to this although I do it in a follow up email after the lesson. It is time consuming but the parents generally appreciate the effort and knowing how their child did that day and what is expected in the week or new concept introduced., etc.
Alexandra Weiss Toronto Piano Teacher says
Hi Kay:
how much time do you spend emailing parents about that week’s lesson? Do you do all these emails for the day after you’ve done teaching for that day, because I am assuming you cannot email right after the lesson as you have the next piano student?
CHRISTINE NEALE says
also: I would specify that, if possible, digital devices stay in the car during those 5 minutes – you would be surprised…..
Piano Man Studio says
I love it…. Be on point .. Not have a nice week end and see you next week same time … I’ve found text reminders about payments has helped.
Alfred Kinney
Michelle says
I try to use digital devices to my advantage… I will invite parents to take recording or pictures of how something is being taught. It could be what order the note flashcards should be for the C scale, or which note is sharp in a tricky part of a song. Or especially, if showing the kids how to turn in playing a scale. Having the parents take pictures gets them more involved in the review and practice that should be going on at home…
Barbara says
Wonderful idea, Michelle. This would be great for a “starting hand position” reminder!!
Seka says
I require a parent to sit all through the lesson for the firsti 3 years and longer if they wish. Parent is then a ‘secretary’ and i am free to just talk and work with the student. Often i aks a parent to try at the same time as a child something new – so they can see how difficult it can be. Also often children like to see that parent trying to do what they are doing. Parents have to count aloud with me and the child, have to look for the patterns, key ets. Helps all 3 of us and so much more can be accomplished. It is real fun for all and there are no things that are forgoten by both parent and a child. Try it it works.
Josie says
Yes, I encourage parents to sit in and see what we have been doing during the lesson and it’s great for children to show what they have learned, especially when I praise them for their specific achievements in front of their parents! I agree that digital recording by parents of the scale, piece, fingering etc. is really useful and definitely helps at home.
Cara says
Excellent ideas–thank you!
Debby says
I like all these ideas except for stating the hand position of a song….. unless, of course, the parents don’t tell the student the hand position.
Many students learn songs based on where their hands are at and not based on note names resulting in what could sound right to the parent but be incorrect when the teacher listens to the songs.
Perhaps letting the parent know the hand position in the email but making sure parents ask the student the starting note names.
Heidi Larkin says
These are all great ideas! I teach piano, but I also take my own kids to violin and cello lessons. Their teachers expect the parents to be at every lesson (as I am) and I expect that for my piano student patents. Where ever did the thinking come that it’s OK to drop off your kids? They need your help the 6 other days of the week!